It's finally here! This year's Ashes promises to be the closest competition in twenty years but where are the opportunities to make some money?
England have been improving over the last few years but the vast majority of the team fall into two camps: those that have never played a test against the Aussie's or those that have suffered at the hands of the old enemy in the past. The exception to this statement is the captain, Michael Vaughan, who treated the Australian crowds to some exceptional batting in the last Ashes series. He also more than matched the Aussie's in the sledging department - at one point during the last tour Glen McGrath thought that Vaughan only ever said two words - the second one being "off". So with that sort of battling spirit (and despite Vaughan's reduced average whilst he's been skipper) I'd be tempted to buy his runs for the series. Over 400 - 3.35
The first test is at Lords, where England don't have the best of records but Andrew Strauss plays for Middlesex and has a very good record on the ground. I'd suggest buying his series runs and them arbing back after the first test. Perhaps a punt as the top English batsman in the first test might be a good bet too.
Glen McGrath also (briefly) played for Middlesex last season - admittedly he didn't look that sharp as he was coming back from an ankle injury but he has an incredible test record at Lords and I'd buy his wickets for the series (also to arb back later - before the back-to-back tests start to effect his aging limbs) as well as betting Tresco will be his 500th test wicket. Whilst we're mentioning series performances - Gilchrist appeared to be in good shape in the one dayers and his runs look to be a good bet - over 325 at 3.05!
As for the series score? I think it's going to be close although I still think the Aussie's have got the edge (unfortunately). My heart says it'll finish 2-2 but my head tells me 3-1 to Australia.
1st Test
Total = +1.5pts
Series Bets
